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Chancellor’s Dare to Learn Lecture

Office of the Chancellor

This lecture aims to introduce the campus community to various perspectives from experts and leaders and encourage the community to explore a wide range of ideas.

The name reflects the university’s motto, Discere Aude, which is often translated as “dare to learn.”

“A university setting is the perfect arena to consider new knowledge and inspire a free exchange of ideas from multiple perspectives. I hope the lecture sparks healthy conversations and dares the community to dig deeper and expand its horizons.”

– Chancellor Aswani K. Volety

About the Speaker

Vice President Mike Pence

Vice President Mike Pence delivered the fall 2025 Chancellor’s Dare to Learn Lecture. Pence served as the 48th Vice President of the United States from 2017 to 2021, the Governor of Indiana from 2013 to 2017 and a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 2001 to 2013. In 2021, he founded the policy organization Advancing American Freedom.  
 
He graduated from Indiana University School of Law, where he met his wife, former Second Lady of the United States Karen Pence. They have three children, Michael, Charlotte and Audrey. His New York Times bestselling autobiography, So Help Me God, was published in 2022 and his second book, Go Home for Dinner, in 2023.

“We are honored to welcome Vice President Pence to UNCW for our signature public lecture series,” Chancellor Aswani K. Volety said. “As a university that ‘dares to learn,’ UNCW values providing students with opportunities to hear from leaders whose experiences inspire the free exchange of thoughts and opinions within a campus climate of civility and mutual respect.” 

About the Lecture

The fall 2025 Dare to Learn Lecture was held Monday, Oct. 13, at 6:30 p.m. in Kenan Auditorium. WECT TV news anchor Jon Evans moderated the event.  

About the Series

The Chancellor’s Dare to Learn Lecture is an exploration of leadership. Guest speakers share their stories, experiences and lessons learned. Former NASA astronaut and retired U.S. Navy Capt. Scott Kelly, the Honorable Aldona Woś, M.D. and veteran political strategists Donna Brazile and Karl Rove are past speakers. 

Past Dare to Learn Lectures

UNCW Chancellor Aswani K. Volety launched the Chancellor's Dare to Learn Lecture in 2023. Find out more about past lectures and speakers: